Community Voices for Health

By: Kathy

I make my kids take out the trash…..

I was with a group of moms the other day and they were talking about how they have to get the house clean, make the lunches and laundry.

I stopped them for a minute and explained in our house my children are 5 and 6 and they do the following things every week:

1. Taking out the trash

2. Taking out the recycling

3. Cleaning their room

4. Cleaning their bathroom

5. Emptying the dish washer

6. Loading the dish washer

7. Put clothes in the wash ( I have to start it they can’t reach)

8 . Put clothes in the dryer (I have to start it they can’t reach)

9. Help put groceries away

10. Sweep or vacuum

They were SHOCKED. A mom asked if I paid them and I informed her that I didn’t. They also make their beds, put away laundry, take baths, brush their teeth, and go to bed on time- all of which were things other parents said they paid their children to do. Bathing shouldn’t be paid should it??

I live in the house just like they do. I work full time, they go to school full time- we all have the same full time “job.” I was then asked if I felt I was being harsh. I told them that I didn’t think. When I grew up we had the same responsibility without pay, so why shouldn’t I do the same for my kids? It is part of being a family. We have more time on the weekends because I am not tied to the household duties.

What do you think? Do your children have responsibilities ?  Not chores for pay! Things they NEED to do in the home.